Pastor Rick Warren and his wife, Kay, of Saddleback Church, will be joined by several experts in the field of mental health, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Orange County to host The Gathering on Mental Health and the Church on Friday, March 28.

The conference is designed to encourage individuals living with mental illness, educate family members, and equip church leaders to provide effective and compassionate care to any who face the challenges of mental illness, say organizers.

"It's so important that people know, no matter how desperate their despair, there is hope, and not to give up," said Kay Warren. "We want this to be a hopeful event that encourages individuals and helps them realize they are not alone in dealing with mental illness."

This event marks the first initiative in the Warrens' mission to remove the stigma of mental illness following the suicide of their son Matthew on April 5. The Warrens reported that their son struggled with mental illness most of his life.

The following are stories (below) The Christian Post has done this month leading up to the event. There will be more in the coming days, including coverage of the conference on Friday.

Author Attempts to Change the Church's View on Mental Illness, the 'No-Casserole' Illness